For years, deafness has been labeled a disability. But what if we shifted our perspective and saw it as a language barrier instead? This mindset is transforming lives in San Antonio, Texas, where Deaf Young Life has been thriving since the 1990s.
A SEED PLANTED
Emma Faye Rudkin lost her hearing at the age of 3. Growing up, she often wondered if God could understand and love her. At 16, she attended a Young Life camp without any prior knowledge of the organization. On the bus, a leader she’d just met turned to her and said, “You’re going to start Deaf Young Life. I just know that about you.”
Three years later, that prophecy became reality. In 2015, Emma joined Young Life staff at 19 and began her mission to bring Deaf Young Life to San Antonio. But for an entire semester, it felt like nothing was happening. Frustrated, Emma contemplated quitting. However, one night, after attending a football game, she spotted a group of wrestlers signing in ASL. That moment marked the beginning of Deaf Young Life.
BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH LANGUAGE
In Deaf Young Life, building relationships is more challenging. Deaf teens don’t often attend traditional events like pep rallies or football games unless a friend invites them. Leaders have to create spaces where these teens feel comfortable. Yet once contact is made, the connection is immediate — because the language barrier falls away.
A staggering 90% of deaf kids are born into hearing homes, and 70-90% of their parents never learn to sign, leaving these kids to learn communication at school. Emma shares, “When a Young Life leader speaks their language, it forms an instant bond. It’s the first time a loving adult can communicate with them about their lives, both emotionally and spiritually.”
UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN DEAF MINISTRY
Despite the strong connections, Deaf Young Life faces many logistical hurdles. Deaf teens often rely on Emma and her team to drive them to club meetings, as many parents are hesitant to teach them how to drive. Each Thursday, leaders pick up teens from across the city, gathering for homework help, dinner, and a club meeting tailored to their needs — stripping away musical elements and making everything visually engaging.
Take Deaf Young Life Prom, for example. Traditional prom is often inaccessible to deaf teens due to the emphasis on music and socializing, but at Deaf Prom, visual aids like “Just Dance” videos teach them how to dance, while big drums add rhythm they can feel. Emma and her team are on a mission to redeem the prom experience for these teens, giving them access to milestones they might otherwise miss.
INNOVATING FOR INCLUSION
One of the biggest obstacles is funding. Deaf ministry is expensive, requiring multiple communication styles for each teen. At camp, innovative tools like sub-packs (which allow deaf teens to feel music) make the experience more inclusive. These efforts also bridge the gap between deaf and hearing teens, helping both groups find common ground.
In 2019, Emma was thrilled to see interpreters fully engaging in camp activities, no longer standing on the sidelines. Deaf teens felt part of the camp experience for the first time. Emma also took the first group of deaf teens to work crew at Trail West in Colorado — something that hadn’t happened since the 1990s.
A GROWING MOVEMENT
Deaf Young Life is one of just 11 ministries across the U.S. specifically for deaf teenagers. What began with volunteer interpreters and a handful of wrestlers has blossomed into a club led by former Deaf Young Life teens, ready to share Jesus with their peers.
The second Deaf Young Life staff member was recently hired in Austin, Texas, to begin ministry at the Texas School for the Deaf and Blind. As the movement expands across the central U.S., it shows no signs of slowing down. That seed planted on a bus ride home from camp has grown into a flourishing ministry, tearing down language barriers and showing deaf teens the love of Jesus in a way they can fully understand.
THREE WAYS YOU CAN CONNECT WITH THE DEAF COMMUNITY:
- Learn Your ABCs
Learn the ASL alphabet — it’s a simple way to connect. Deaf kids love teaching it and are eager to communicate with adults who care. - Get Connected
Reach out to local interpreters at a church or sign language college. They can introduce you to deaf adults who love Jesus and help you grow in understanding. - Don’t Be Afraid
Every community includes people with hearing loss. Don’t let fear keep you from connecting with them — after all, you wouldn’t avoid a mission trip because of a language barrier, would you?
Emma’s story is a testament to the power of showing up, speaking the language of the heart, and breaking down barriers through love and faith. Deaf Young Life is transforming lives, one conversation at a time.
P.S. MEET EDWIN AND DAVID!
Edwin was bullied for being deaf at his school in California and became suicidal. He moved to Texas and things were brighter but still incredibly lonely.
Edwin met Emma at the clinic when he was getting new hearing aids. Then, he met David, his Young Life leader, at club. “These people I met welcomed me with open arms. They are like my second family now.”
David offered to teach Edwin how to drive, and they hang out every week.
Before going to camp, Edwin was mad at God for making him deaf, but after camp he realized God wasn’t the problem, and he had good plans for Edwin’s life.
Watch this video to see Deaf Young Life Summer Camp in action!
OR Contact Emma Rudkin to learn more about volunteering, starting a Deaf Young Life club, or donating!
